Cold Sores and Herpes

The virus will become active when the immune system is weakened - whether from stress, nutritional deficiencies, another disease or any environmentally related factor, during menstruation, with a fever, infection or cold, or after exposure to sun and wind

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What is Herpes?

Although many think of herpes as a skin infection, it is actually an inflammation of the sensory nerves. In between outbreaks, the herpes DNA survives in nerve centres at the base of the brain called ganglia. During outbreaks, the DNA replicates, forming a virus. The virus passes down the nerve to the skin, where it causes lesions.

These cold sores are very contagious. They appear three to ten days after exposure and may last up to three weeks. From the moment they start tingling they are contagious, and will remain so until the lesion heals completely. Kissing, sharing utensils, sexual intercourse or touching anything that the infected persons lesion has touched (a towel they have used etc) will transmit the virus to you. So be careful!

The Lysine approach to Cold Sores

Nutrients and diet are helpful. The amino acid Lysine slows or alters the growth of the virus, and, foods that are rich in this amino acid should be included in the diet. Some examples are fish and shellfish, bean sprouts, brewers yeast, milk, beans, fruit and vegetables, eggs, and turkey.

Foods that should be avoided are refined carbohydrates, whole grain and white flour and sugar, colas and coffee, alcohol and processed foods. During outbreaks, foods that contain the amino acid Arginine should also be avoided. These include gelatine, chicken, wheat germ, cereals, soybeans, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, carob and chocolate. Arginine competes with lysine for absorption. Citrus foods may also irritate the infection.

According to herpes researcher Christopher Kagan, M.D., herpes DNA uses the amino acid L-Arginine to replicate itself and form a virus. "Early studies using laboratory cultures demonstrated that L-arginine was necessary for herpes growth," Kagan stated, "It soon became clear that another amino acid, L-lysine, blocked the bio-availability of arginine. By 1981, Dr. Griffith had demonstrated that lysine concentrations similar to those found in human blood could suppress herpes growth in lab cultures."

Several clinical studies have supported the efficacy of Lysine supplementation for herpes therapy. In one survey, 88% of 1,543 herpes sufferers reported benefiting from lysine therapy. "More research on Lysine is still needed," says Kagan, "but lysine therapy has produced some positive results."

There has been a lot of studies done into the triggers and prevention of cold sores. It has been found that supplementation of the amino acid Lysine actually suppress the symptoms of cold sores. The studies also showed that once supplementation stopped the cold sores returned within 1 to 4 weeks. The amount of Lysine needed as a preventative for cold sores varies, depending on the persons diet and the overall nutrient balance of Arginine and Lysine, as well as biochemical individuality. Generally a maintenance dosage of 500mg twice daily is suggested for prevention, increasing to as much as 2000 - 3000 mg three to four times daily if the onset of symptoms such as the "tingling" are noticed. In this case, remain at the higher dosage for at least four days, even if the symptoms subside.

Leanne James realised the need for a complex formulation to help treat and prevent cold sores, so made Herp-eze. This product contains the immune boosting herb Olive leaf, as well as the nutrients Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin C and the amino acid L-lysine - Wow!! What a power pack.

Stress has a strong link with the onset of herpes outbreaks. Certain supplements have been shown to have a direct effect on the virus: Lysine, B complex, Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids, Vitamin E and the mineral Zinc. These nutrients are needed for a strong immune system and for the production of collagen. Also try herbs that help fight off a virus, such as Echinacea, Cats Claw, Garlic, and Olive leaf.

Astragalus increases production of white blood cells and strengthens the bodies immune response and vital force. It has an energy boosting action.  Formulas incorporating Astragalus are used in China in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer patients. Chinese investigators have shown they strengthen the individuals immunity to fight the disease as well as prevent bone marrow depression and gastro-intestinal side effects associated with conventional therapy. Reshi mushroom has been shown to demonstrate anti-tumour and immuno-tonic effects. They increase both DNA and RNA synthesis in the bone marrow and enhance natural killer cell activity. The Japanese government has officially listed Reishi as an adjunct herb for cancer. Privet has been used by the Chinese to nourish the liver and kidney, but as well as this, research has shown that it has the effect of increasing white blood cell count in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.  All of these 3 herbs can be found in the immune boosting formula Astraforte.  This also comes in a liquid version.

The future of Herpes treatment

Herpes sufferers should keep the sores, "clean, dry and friction free," according to the American National Herpes Hotline. That means wearing loose fitting clothes and abstaining from even protected sex. "Exercise, a healthy diet rich in nutrition, weight control and stress management are still the first line of defence against herpes," So, while science continues to search for cures, lysine therapy, common sense, and prevention remain the most powerful weapons in the war against herpes.

Note: If herpes develops near the eyes, the cornea can become affected and blindness may result. See an Opthalmologist if the herpes appear on the forehead, near the eyes or on the tip of the nose.

External Treatment

We have the Hotkiss Herpotherm, a device to treat a coldsore lesion once you have it. The treatment of herpes with the Hotkiss® takes place with the help of concentrated heat, in the range of 50-51°C, which, when applied at the proper time, prevents the formation of the blisters and allows the further symptoms (prickly sensation, burns, itchiness, feeling of tightness, pain) to subside quickly.

Nutritional and Herbal support for Cold Sores include:

Herp-eze the complex formulation by Leanne James, specifically for helping treat and prevent cold sores.

L-lysine - An essential amino acid that all people with the herpes virus should consider taking on a daily basis. It is a constituent of collagen and has antiviral activity.

AstraForte is a deep immune tonic containing the 3 herbs Astragalus, Reishi and Privet. Astragalus is referred to as a bone marrow reserve herb and a deep defence builder in conditions of profound immune deficiencies. A weakened immune system results in persistent colds and flu, exhaustion, food allergies or depression which leaves the body vulnerable to infection.

Zinc - is useful as an immune system stimulant and will help fight against infection. Take this at a dosage of 80mg for one week reducing to 50mg thereafter.

Cayenne - an excellent supplement, as the capsicum can provide pain relief and it aids in healing. Take 2 capsules three times daily. Take this during the middle of a meal to avoid any unpleasant "hot" effects. Continue this dosage for at least one week after the symptoms stop.

Advanced Antioxidant - For immune regulation and collagen synthesis.

Vir Attack - A high potency formula for helping fight viral attacks, a potent anti-viral herbal formula, with immune supporting herbs.

Mega C Plus - Important for immune stimulation.

Echinacea Triplex - A combination of liquid Echinacea for helping with the effective treatment of viruses. Taking Echinacea can help, as this helps to stimulate the immune system. The liquid is best used for fast absorption, at the maximum recommended dosage.

Sambucol Immune - A powerful immune boosting product, specific for viral infections.

Colsor Pack - a twin pack which contains homeopathic Colsor Oral Spray and Colsor Cream to aid the body's normal immune function in fighting viral conditions like cold sores. Use in conjunction with Lysine & anti-viral herbs for ultimate results.

Healing Salve - This is the only ointment we really have for cold sores, made here in New Zealand by Malcolm Harker.

Hypericum Plus Spray - Hypericum can help with neuralgia or nerve pain, so may be of benefit.

Some interesting points on Cold Sores:

Regular sensible meals - don't forget fruit and vegetables!

Try to limit stress and other immune system burdens.

Avoid sugary or fatty food.

Avoid nuts, seeds and chocolate.

If cold sore outbreaks occur often, check for low thyroid function and immune system dysfunction.